3 minute read

Trainer and jockey quotes following the Group 2 Schweppes Chairman’s Quality won by Surefire at Randwick on Saturday.

Race Result:

1st: Surefire (C Waller/J Moreira) - $17
2nd: Gin Martini (J Sargent/D Lane) - $7.50
3rd: Nerve Not Verve (M Moroney/D Holland) - $8

Winning Time: 2:52.45 Last 600m: 37.54

Margins: Short Neck x Head

Joao Moreira guides the dour Surefire to victory over the 2600m in the Chairman's Quality at $15 for @cwallerracing! pic.twitter.com/7WOBc0SnZr

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 1, 2023

Winning Trainer: Chris Waller

On booking Joao Moreira for the ride: "We've had a lot of luck with him over the last few years, or the last twelve or so years and Group Ones. He's started the Championships off in good style. 

On the horse: "He needed to turn his form around, he's been a little bit plain the first couple of runs. 

"A bit of give in the track today has been a big help. 

On the run: "At the 300-metre mark I thought we were home and then all of a sudden the challengers appeared, but the last 200 metres he held them off." 

On heading to the Sydney Cup?: "No question, he'll definitely be there in seven days' time." 

Winning Jockey: Joao Moreira

On getting opportunities in Australia: "I wouldn't be doing anything without the support of trainers, owners, I would like to say a big thanks to Chris (Waller) who got me here this time."

I'm extremely glad to be winning another race here in Australia."

On the horse and the run: "Talking about this horse Surefire, he pretty much enjoyed the conditions which not many horses would be able to do that. He traveled very nice and smooth through the race. When I got into the straight I just stayed on the inside, got a gap in there. It looks like he got in front a little too early, started looking around a little bit in the last furlong, but he was always going to be the strongest to the line.

On the track: "It's really heavy."

On getting the 3200m of the Sydney Cup: "I don't see any problem. He seems to be a real stayer and I presume the connections are going to give him his chance."

Beaten Jockeys:

Sam Clipperton (Stockman): "Perhaps I would have liked to have seen him go to the line a bit stronger. I think next week he drops significantly in weight for the Sydney Cup and he will be cherry ripe."

Josh Parr (Torrens): "Poor bugger hated the conditions."

John Allen (High Emocean): "She ran super. Got a little far back. She was steaming home."

Michael Dee (Asterix): No comment provided

Dean Holland (Nerve Not Verve): "Couldn't be more impressed. Next week looks very good for her now. I had the whip knocked out of my hand at the 150m and I think she runs second if that didn't happen."

James McDonald (Benaud): "He boxed on well."

Tim Clark (Sacramento): "Good honest brave effort. Probably a fraction wet for his liking. Still battled it out."

Damian Lane (Gin Martini): "Another really good honest effort. She presented well and peaked on her run."

Tyler Schiller (Normandy Bridge): "I thought he stayed on well. They went a moderate gallop in the middle stages which didn't help but he sprinted hard and stuck to his guns."

Rachel King (Raging Bull): "Didn't handle that track at all."

Brett Prebble (Athabascan): "Didn't handle the track."

Louise Day (Le Baol): "Brave effort caught wide. Couldn't catch them in the straight."

Zac Lloyd (Pesto): "He ran super. I think the two miles next week will suit him."

Reece Jones (Zegalo): "Got it comfortable but had a long prep and felt the pinch."

Ben Thompson (Tappy's Lad): "Conditions were too wet for him and class too high."